Truck queues build-up at Illela, as Nigerian border closure continues against Niger

*Border shutdown not against Nigerians – Bashir Adeniyi, Ag CGC

*Shut on Tinubu’s order

By OUR REPORTER,  Sokoto

The Nigerian Customs Service (NCS) has said that the recent closure of Ilela Border, in Sokoto State was not meant to inflict hardship on Nigerians.

Acting Comptroller General of Customs (CGC), Bashir Adewale Adeniyi, stated this via a statement issued by the National Public Relations Officer of the NCS, Abdullahi Maiwada, on Friday, saying the closure was based on the directive of President Bola Tinubu.

The DEFENDER reports that the Nigerian government shut down the Illela border, which is the Nigeria-Niger border on the Sokoto axis, because of military takeover of government in the Republic of Niger and as a result of which buildup of trucks loaded in various items including textile materials has been experienced on both sides of the border.

According to the statement, Adeniyi gave the explanation when he paid a working visit to Illela Border Station for monitoring and assessment of the implementation of the border closure exercise.

Adeniyi expressed delight with the level of compliance by the residents to the directive.

According to him, the measure was a decision taken by the Economic Community of West African Countries (ECOWAS) of which the Nigerian President is the chairman.

“We are optimistic that this effort will yield positive results, and I must tell you that President Tinubu is committed to restoring peace in this axis,” the statement said.

He added that the exercise would secure Nigeria’s democracy and social stability, considering the current state of uncertainty in the neighboring Niger Republic.

On effect of the exercise on the revenue generation of the service, Adeniyi said, “The service is aware of the situation and has already taken proactive measures to address it strategically.”

He reiterated that Tinubu’s administration is committed to protecting the well-being of the citizens and their businesses.

“I am optimistic that the borders will soon be opened and businesses of Nigerians will continue to thrive. President Tinubu, as a champion of the region, has a measure of responsibility to promote trade, and we are all aware that trade can’t be achieved where there’s no peace.

“However, considering what is happening in Niger, which affects the political stability of the sovereign nation, my mission here is to restate the directive of President Tinubu as the ECOWAS Chairman.”

Similarly, the Comptroller-General had also engaged traditional rulers and other stakeholders at the Illela border.

Chairman Association of Customs License Agents, Aminu Dan-Iya, who spoke on behalf of the stakeholders, consoled residents around the affected area and the entire stakeholders to understand the situation.

He said, “The decision was for our benefit, thus no need to panic.”

Meanwhile, the CGC also paid a courtesy visit to Sarkin Gobir of Gwadabawa, Alhaji Lawali Muhammad Zayyana, to seek his support towards achieving the mandates of the service.

Addressing the Emir, the CGC, said, “Today, with our delegation, we are embarking on a journey to Illela Border station to inspect and monitor the level of compliance to President Tinubu’s order of closing borders and to also interact with the members of the border community.”

While appreciating the traditional ruler for his sustained support of the service, the CGC also commended his passion for promoting good cordial relationships between the community and the officers of the service.

Responding, the Sarkin Gobir of Gwadabawa, Alhaji Zayyana, welcomed the CGC and his entourage while also taking him through the history of the palace.

He felicitated the CGC on his appointment and assured him of his unwavering support to ensure he spent a hitch-free tenure.

“Having disputes could sometimes be seen as natural, but I wish to assure you of my support to win over the residents of this emirate,” he said.